updated 07:45 am EDT, Fri September 30, 2011

iPhone 5 cases from more firms show in ATT stores

Following iPhone 5 cases entering AT&T inventory, more cases have surfaced in the carrier's stores. The new models forwarded by a MacRumors tipster are generic, likely from one of the firms using the prototype-based blueprints in southern China. They reflect the same larger, tapered design that has been widely rumored, including the repositioned camera and mute switch.

It still remains to be seen whether AT&T is stocking the cases as a guess or out of genuine knowledge of what's coming. Many of the cases themselves are based on the assumption that the blueprints reflect the final model. AT&T isn't likely to order cases nationwide unless it has a reasonable expectation they can be sold.

Some doubt exists that a redesigned iPhone is in the cards and that the only truly upgraded model might be based on the iPhone 4. As a low-cost iPhone 4 is thought to be part of any introduction, though, confusion might exist over what's actually shipping.